What are Rubies?
Posted: Mon Sep 20, 2010 12:51 pm
Rubies, the birthstone of July, are precious gemstones composed of corundum, chromium bonded with aluminum oxide. Corundum comes in a variety of colors, but when it is red, it is always a ruby. Blue or pink varieties of corundum are always referred to as sapphires, though some disputes exist about whether pink sapphire is merely a lighter colored ruby.
Most rubies are mined in Myanmar, formerly Burma, and other parts of Asia and Africa. Some high quality rubies have recently been found in Kenya. A few US states, Montana and the Carolinas, have also discovered rubies, but most of the best gems are found in Myanmar.
Most rubies are mined in Myanmar, formerly Burma, and other parts of Asia and Africa. Some high quality rubies have recently been found in Kenya. A few US states, Montana and the Carolinas, have also discovered rubies, but most of the best gems are found in Myanmar.